Objective: In addition to pharmacologic treatments, complementary therapies are a reliable option to improve pain and quality-of-life during and after lung transplantation. The objective of the present study was to highlight the possibility to implement a toolbox-kit of complementary techniques in lung transplantation which could improve patients’ experience.

Design: Prospective open single-center study.

Setting: Foch University Hospital, Suresnes, France.

Participants: Adult patients undergoing double-lung transplantation.

Results:  Among the 80 patients included from May 2017 to September 2020, 59 were evaluated at the 4th postoperative month. Over the 4359 sessions performed, the most frequent technique used before surgery was relaxation. After transplantation, the techniques most frequently used were relaxation and TENS. TENS was the best performing technique in terms of autonomy, usability, adaptation, and compliance. Self-appropriation of relaxation was the easiest while self-appropriation of holistic gymnastics was difficult but appreciated by patients.

Conclusion: The appropriation by patients of complementary therapies such as mind-body therapies, TENS and holistic gymnastics are feasible in lung transplantation. Even after a short training session, patients regularly practiced these therapies, mainly TENS and relaxation.

Patients were included during the preoperative anesthetic assessment. Self-hypnosis, sophrology, relaxation, holistic gymnastics, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) were taught. Patients were asked to use them before and after transplantation, as needed. The main outcome was appropriation of the technique within the first three postoperative months. Secondary outcomes included efficacy on pain, anxiety, stress, sleep, and quality-of-life.